Should I use a Running Martingale??

chickeninabun

chickeninabun

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I'm not a fan of "gadgets" but my cob was bombing off accross the field with me the other day and I think I might need some!:(:o
I don't have a school/arena, so just school in the corner of an open field. It's pretty useless, as I'm not the greatest rider and struggle to concentrate on getting the horse going nicely whilst worrying about my riding and trying to keep the beast on any sort of shape similar to a circle!:o
So after running off accross the field with me, head up like a fecking giraffe everytime I touched the reins, I think I might need to invest in a martingale. Would a running one actually make her keep her head down a bit more? And should I think about a stronger bit, and if so what?:confused: She is currently in a loose ringed single jointed snaffle. She is built like a brick out-house btw:eek:
 
hi there,
a running martingale will def help with the head in the air thing.
Just reading over your message though, you mention her head goes up as soon as you touch the reins? That coupled with riding her in a single jointed bit would suggest to me that her bit is hitting her in the roof of her mouth when you touch the reins so her head goes up. I would try a french link with lozenge. If she is more comfortable in her mouth then it's v likely you'll find that you actually need less brakes rather than more.
 
Thanks Glosgirl. I think I'll invest in a martingale and scour the tack room for french linked bit. I've herd things about single jointed bits been terrible for horses, but after growing up with everything either ridden in an eggbutt snaffle or a pelham, I tend to stick to what I know.:o I have emailed The Bit Bank to see if thy can offer any advice and it seems very handy to know I can trial a bit before shelling out for one.
 
That looks just the thing, though if I were you I would try one from a bit bank or see if you can find one in your tack room, then you can be sure before you part with your £! Are there any aspects of your mares conformation in her mouth that might affect her finding a bit comfortable? If she is a typical cob you might find she has rather a large tongue to contend with too! In that case this might be a little more comfy for her as the slight bend in the design of the bit will allow her toungue more space so she is more comfy http://www.thesaddleryshop.co.uk/P/JP_Korsteel_French_Link_Loose_Ring_Snaffle-(384).aspx
hth and sorry for the waffle!
 
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